Safe furniture without formaldehyde: how to protect your health
We spend a large part of our lives indoors, especially within our own four walls. It is important to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of formaldehyde, a gaseous substance found in many furniture and building materials. Formaldehyde can cause various health problems, from skin irritation to respiratory problems. This article will tell you how to choose safer formaldehyde-free furniture and protect your health.
What is formaldehyde and why is it harmful?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, gaseous reagent found in many composite materials and furniture. It is often used to preserve wood products and can also be present in carpets, paints and adhesives. Formaldehyde can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma. Long-term exposure can even cause cancer.
How do I recognize formaldehyde-free furniture?
It can be difficult to identify formaldehyde-free furniture as the substance often goes by different names, such as „Naphthalene resin“ or „Urea formaldehyde“. However, a good starting point is to look for furniture with the „Blue Angel“ or the EU Ecolabel, both of which comply with strict formaldehyde limits. Another option is to buy furniture from manufacturers who offer formaldehyde-free products and state this on their labels or websites.
What alternatives are there to furniture containing formaldehyde?
There are many alternatives to furniture containing formaldehyde that are just as stylish and functional. Solid wood, bamboo, cork or linen furniture are all natural materials that are formaldehyde-free. Furniture made from recycled or reclaimed wood is also a good choice. Another option is to buy used furniture that has already vented and no longer emits formaldehyde.
- Furniture made of solid wood, bamboo, cork or linen is formaldehyde-free
- Recycled wood or used furniture are other alternatives
- Look for the seal „Blue Angel“ or the EU Ecolabel
Where can I find safer furniture without formaldehyde?
There are more and more furniture manufacturers who have specialized in formaldehyde-free products or who comply with strict limit values. One way is to research online and read reviews from other customers. Furniture stores like IKEA or Mömax also offer formaldehyde-free furniture that you can try on site. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also buy furniture from a TÜV-certified manufacturer who carries out strict controls.
How can I protect my health additionally?
In addition to buying formaldehyde-free furniture, there are other steps you can take to protect your health. One way is to ventilate regularly to improve the air quality in your home. Another option is to place plants indoors as they can filter toxic chemicals from the air. When you buy new furniture, it's a good idea to let it air dry before using it.
„There are now formaldehyde-free alternatives to almost any furniture you can imagine.“ – Prof. Dr. Gerd Dethlefs, environmental hygienist
Conclusion: A conscious choice for health.
When it comes to our health, we should be aware of the pollutants present in our furniture and living spaces. Formaldehyde is a substance found in many furniture and building materials that can cause health problems. By choosing formaldehyde-free furniture and improving indoor air quality, we can protect our health. There are many alternatives to furniture containing formaldehyde, including solid wood, bamboo, cork or recycled wood. It is important to look out for seals like the „Blue Angel“ or to pay attention to the EU Ecolabel and, if necessary, to choose a TÜV-tested manufacturer. By making conscious choices, we can help protect our health while creating a greener future.
